Pierce College Faculty Rock the Ski to Sea Relay

They came. They saw. They hula’d? Well, the Pierce College Depends on Marty team did all of that and so much more.

The seven-person team completed the 100-mile journey from Mt. Baker to Bellingham Bay in the Ski to Sea Relay on May 29. With a focus on having fun, building camaraderie, and improving their fitness levels, the team rallied and completed the arduous race.

And, they’re just crazy enough to do it again! English as a Second Language professor Deb Ramirez is already planning another team next year. In fact, she's hoping to add a second team, she said.

"We had a blast the entire time," Ramirez exclaimed. "Even the team meetings were fun. It was always such a party atmosphere. I truly believe it has become an annual event for Pierce College sports enthusiasts."

Check out a gallery of Ski to Sea photos on the Pierce College Facebook page.

The 2011 Pierce College Depends on Marty team was made up of professors Ramirez, Marty Lobdell, Denise Arnold, Peter Frisell, and Joseph Cates-Carney. They were joined by friends and family members Connie Poleski, Norm Arnold, and Scott Davis.

Team members trained for their individual events for weeks and met over several weekends to write wacky songs, train for the post-relay hula contest, and get motivated for the grueling competition. The team (and support staff) had custom t-shirts and created a team website.

Here are some additional race details:

Cross Country Ski at Mt. Baker Ski Area (Marty Lobdell)

Course Length: Approx 4 miles
 

Downhill Ski/Snowboard at Mt. Baker Ski Area (Denise Arnold)

Course Length: Approx 2.5 miles

Running (Connie Poleski)

Course Length: Approx 8 miles

Road Bike (Deb Ramirez)

Course Length: Approx 42 miles

Canoe (Norm Arnold and Peter Frisell)

Course Length: Approx 18.5 miles

Mountain Biking (Scott Davis)

Course Length: Approx 20 miles

Sea Kayak (Joe Cates-Carney)

Course Length: Approx 5 miles (4.3 Nautical Miles)